Obituary for
Maria "Helen" E. Guzman-Peinado
In Loving Memory of
Helen Guzman-Peinado, also known as “Tia Nena”, was born in El Paso, Texas on April 13, 1941 to her adoring parents, Vicente and Guadalupe Guzman. She was the youngest of 7 children; Luis Guzman, Emma Anchondo, Esther Martinez, Celia Tarango, Lupe Villareal, and Margie Torres, along with 38 nephews and nieces.
Helen is survived by her two loving daughters, Michelle Peinado-Almaraz (Mark), and Debbie Christine Peinado, grandchildren Zachary and Helena, as well as her goddaughter Margie Torres.
While living in El Paso, Texas, Helen enjoyed spending time with her sisters, nieces, and nephews. She was also very proud of her many beautiful plants that she loved to tend to.
Helen’s greatest joy was becoming a Grandma to her 2 grandchildren. Her eyes lit up whenever she spoke about them. She would always say, “They are the light of my life!” She called Zachary, who is 13 years old, “My Little Zacharito” and Helena, “Helenita”. She referred to them both as “Mi Corazon”.
She loved the family pets, Molly and Luna, but it was known that Molly was her favorite dog, who she called “Molly-Roo”.
Helen always had a sweet smile to share. She enjoyed her trips to the Mary Phillips Senior Center where her tender care of her peers and her smile will be greatly missed.
She lived life to the fullest, loved dancing, music, movies, bowling, dining out, going to parties, sitting seaside at the beach, meeting people, and playing her “45's” on the record player; “Oldies but goodies”, she would say.
One of the most cherished memories Helen had, was to have the opportunity to hear her grandson play for the Temecula Valley Jr. Youth Symphony. She loved to hear her grandson play music, attend his concerts, and watch him participate in sports. Just as much, she loved to watch all the times Helena would sing and dance.
Family and helping others were the most important things to Helen. These are traits that were instilled in her children. Her love, kindness, and light live on not only through her children, but her grandchildren as well. Many fond memories were created with Helen’s visits to California, and ultimately living the past few years of her life in Temecula, California with her children.
Friends and family best describe Helen as: strong, kind, beautiful, and loving. She will be remembered as having a genuine spirit, a kind heart, a vivacious personality, and was often known to have a sassy comment or two. She was a treasure; warm and sweet, an amazing woman with a bold sense of humor. She simply loved life and was known to be quick to hug everyone.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at 11:00 am. at the Temecula United Methodist Church, 42690 Margarita Road, Temecula, California 92592.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in honor of Helen to the Mary Phillips Senior Center. Donations can be mailed to the Mary Phillips Senior Center, Attention: Yvette Martinez, 41845 Sixth Street, Temecula, California 92590. Donations may also be made payable to, “City of Temecula” noting “Mary Phillips Senior Center” and/or “Temecula Valley Symphony”, P.O. Box 637, Temecula, California 92593.
